For the uninitiated, BOB is the Big Orange Bridge across the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. It borders the north end of the park, and this boat ramp is right beside it. Given that BOB is one of the most noticeable landmarks in Nelson, this boat ramp will be the easiest to find that one will ever encounter.
Actually getting to it, however, is another matter. From Highway 3A (Nelson Avenue), when near the south end of BOB look for the DQ on the east side of the road. Turn west at the DQ (Kokanee Avenue), then right, then left just before BOB, then the third right into the parking lot, under BOB and around back under BOB again to face south east. This will put one in line to back down the ramp.
This ramp is free to use and can introduce the boater to all that the 100+ km. long
Kootenay Lake has to offer. Easy to use, there's a turnaround before the ramp allowing one to easily get aligned with the ramp. Also, there's a tie-up dock adjacent for temporary mooring, washrooms and a food and drink concession nearby.
The boat ramp was a project of the Nelson Rotary Club and was donated to the city in 1995. Over the walkway down to the dock is this bronze plaque apprising us of the fact.
Here's more info on what
the park has to offer.
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